Round 2 of V-League 2025/2026: The Surprise Named Ninh Binh

Despite high expectations, Ninh Binh FC topping the V-League as the sole team with two wins is quite unexpected.

The 2025/26 V.League closed its second round with numerous surprises, as newcomer Ninh Binh claimed sole possession of first place with two straight wins, while many lower-ranked teams managed to earn points against very strong opponents.

Last week, Ninh Binh shocked the entire V-League by winning 3-1 away at Hong Linh Ha Tinh, a team that was a phenomenon in the 2024/25 season, and this week, Ninh Binh made headlines again by defeating Dong A Thanh Hoa 4-0.

Both Hong Linh Ha Tinh and Dong A Thanh Hoa are veteran teams in the professional national championship, with Dong A Thanh Hoa having set a record last year by winning the National Cup twice consecutively, yet Ninh Binh managed to conquer both opponents despite it being their debut season in the V-League.

After two rounds, Ninh Binh has scored 7 goals and conceded only 1, an impressive performance, and under coach Gerard Albadalejo, they remain the only V-League team undefeated after the first two rounds, firmly holding the top spot on the table.

While Ninh Binh is flying high in the V-League, their local rivals Thep Xanh Nam Dinh unexpectedly slipped up at Vinh against home side Song Lam Nghe An.

Similarly to Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, another team struggling in round 2 of the V-League was Hanoi FC. Hosting a rejuvenated HAGL squad at Hang Day Stadium, Hanoi FC was expected to easily secure three points, especially after HAGL suffered a 0-3 home defeat to Becamex TP.HCM in the previous round at Pleiku Arena.

However, an unforeseen upset occurred for Hanoi FC, as the capital team dominated almost the entire match but failed to score against Hoang Anh Gia Lai’s resilient defense, highlighted by the outstanding performance of young goalkeeper Tran Trung Kien.

In the latest match of round 2 between Becamex TP.HCM and Hanoi Police in Binh Duong, Quang Hai and his teammates quickly moved past their narrow 1-2 loss to BG Pathum United in the ASEAN Clubs Championship midweek. Their impressive 3-0 victory demonstrated Hanoi Police’s dominance and strong attacking capability.

After just two opening rounds, the V-League has witnessed many surprising outcomes, making it fair to say that fans are experiencing one of the most exciting seasons in Vietnamese club football history.